Fresh, Colorful, and Loaded with Flavor Taco Salad Bowl (Print Version)

A hearty taco salad bowl with warm seasoned beef, crisp romaine, black beans, avocado, cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips.

# Ingredients:

For the taco meat

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
03 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, or 1 packet
04 - 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

For the lime crema

05 - 1/3 cup (80 g) sour cream
06 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
08 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - Pinch of salt

For the salad bowls

10 - 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce, washed and dried
11 - 1 cup (170 g) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
12 - 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
14 - 1/4 cup (40 g) diced red onion
15 - 1 large avocado, diced
16 - 1/2 cup (55 g) shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese
17 - 1 cup (35 g) lightly crushed tortilla chips
18 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Salsa, sliced jalapenos, and lime wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
02 - Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is thick and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Add a teaspoon of water if you want a thinner drizzle.
04 - Divide the chopped romaine among 4 bowls. Top with black beans, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheese.
05 - Spoon the warm taco meat over the salad bases. Add tortilla chips, cilantro, salsa, jalapenos if using, and a drizzle of lime crema.
06 - Serve immediately with lime wedges. For leftovers, store the beef, lettuce, toppings, dressing, and chips separately.

# Notes:

01 - Let the taco meat cool for a few minutes before adding it to the lettuce.
02 - Keep chips and dressing separate until serving for the best crunch.
03 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.